BYU football: QB Hall earns passing marks

PROVO — Through four games this season, BYU's Max Hall has guided the 20th-ranked Cougars to a 3-1 record, including a big upset of Oklahoma.

The senior quarterback ranks No. 5 in the nation in passing yards (1,185), No. 13 in total offense (297.75 yards per game), and No. 25 in passing efficiency (152.26).

So how does Hall grade his overall performance to this point?

"I think I've done pretty good," he said. "I think the one number everyone is going to criticize me about is the interceptions."

Hall has thrown eight picks this season, compared to eight touchdowns.

"It's kind of been weird. A lot of the interceptions have been things that don't usually happen — miscommunications or things like that. I think that (interceptions) number will start going down," Hall added. "But I think I've done so far a lot of good things and a lot of things I'm still learning from.

"If I can just keep managing the game, control the emotions and not do anything to put our team at risk, and just continue to make plays when I need to, our offense is good enough to where I don't have to do it all. I think I've done fairly well so far. Still a lot I need to improve on, though."

BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall said Hall's accomplishments should be acknowledged, not just his mistakes.

"I think Max is making progress. The number of plays he is making, it's easy when the standard goes very, very high to only focus on what he is not doing, and I think he is making tremendous progress, not only in leadership but how he is moving the team," he said.

"And then flaws, because the standard is higher, will always be exposed and talked about. So I am confident and comfortable with where Max is and how he is leading our team."

"KILLER INSTINCT": BYU was humbled in its 54-28 loss at home to Florida State on Sept. 19.

"Those games are wake-up calls, when you play as bad as we did against Florida State," said defensive lineman Jan Jorgensen.

The Cougars rebounded last week, earning a 42-23 victory over Colorado State.